Field Trips: Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post

Native American Dolls and Toys

Grades 3-7
Through an examination of toys and primary sources students will see the larger connections between Native American playthings and the cultures they represent.

Native American Sovereignty and Treaty Rights

Grades 7-12
Students learn about the treaties that relate to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, then have a guided discussion about Native American sovereignty.

Corn Husk Doll

Grades K-12
Corn husk doll: Before modern times, Ojibwe people had to rely on what they could grow, hunt, or gather to make the things they needed. This included making their own toys! A common toy made by young Ojibwe children was the corn husk doll. In this craft, students will learn to create their very own corn husk dolls to take home! Note: It is not required, but extremely helpful in this craft if students are able to tie knots!

Shoulder Bag

Grades K-12
Shoulder bags (also known as bandolier bags) are common features in Native American regalia and art. While they are usually beaded, in this craft students will get to color in a shoulder bag with a traditional design made by Mille Lacs Band member and traditional crafter Cheryl Minnema.

Beaded Ring

Grades 7-12
Beading has a long and rich history among Native people, especially among the Ojibwe. Beads were first made available to them by European fur traders and quickly became popular as a way to adorn clothing, jewelry, and other objects. In this craft, you will learn to make a ring using small beads and wire!

Dream Catcher

Grades 9-12
Dream catchers are staples in Native American art. When hung above the head of a sleeping person, they are believed to catch bad dreams in the intricate web contained within the hoop, while good dreams are free to drift through the web onto the person. In this craft, students will make a simplified version of a dreamcatcher, complete with leather fringes at the bottom.